Looking after your feet is important. Feet are your body’s foundation, so keeping them healthy is vital to your overall health. Years of wear and tear can be hard on your feet and Santa’s feet are no exception.

Christmas is about helping others, giving selflessly and being thankful for what you have! So let’s unfold Santa’s footcare journey!

Footwear Advice

Santa came to the clinic with oversized boots! I just could not believe it! Too much movement of your foot in the shoes creates unnecessary friction and pressure that leads to blisters, corns, and calluses. In addition, your natural stride gets disrupted as you try to keep the shoe in place. This contributes to pain at the back of your heel (Achilles tendinitis) or pain at the ball of your feet (metatarsalgia).
Santa was advised to have his feet measured in terms of length and width, and he was given a couple of different shoe catalogues to help him find some new boots.

Fungal infections

Apparently, Santa has been trying to get rid of his fungal nail infection for many years! He has tried numerous over the counter nail paints but nothing has worked.

There are three types of fungus commonly found on the skin: mould, yeast, and tinea unguium. Healthy skin forms a barrier that protects the body from infection. If the skin gets damaged or unhealthy, issues arise. The warm and moist environment in your shoes and socks allows the fungus to grow. Skin and nails contain keratin, which is exactly what foot fungus needs for growth. Fungal skin is usually flaky and will often peel, crack, itch or burn. The skin may also be dry and red and is often mistaken for extremely dry skin. People tend to apply moisturising cream without much success. If the toenails are infected, they are often yellow, thickened, and brittle and may be lifting from the nail bed.

Looking at the extent of the fungal infection, it was evident that too much nail was involved. If more that 70% of the surface of the nail is affected, it is unlikely that anything over the counter will be effective. So, I had to write to his GP in North Pole to request some oral antifungals to tackle this nasty fungus! If that was not enough, the skin on his feet was also affected.

Therefore, a combination of antifungal agents (creams and sprays) was issued and advised to use for minimum 3 months. Santa’s New Year Resolution is to get rid of his fungus from his feet! Needless to say, I booked him in after Christmas for a review!

Foot Supports

It was lovely to see that Santa has been wearing custom-made foot supports for his flat feet! He told me that he has had them for over 10 years, and it was time to upgrade them. Therefore, we organised another appointment for him for a biomechanical assessment with casting so that we can issue a brand new pair of orthoses for him in time for Christmas.

A biomechanical assessment is a thorough examination of the way you walk including gait analysis. This involves taking multiple measurements from your feet, ankles, knees, hips, and lower back. We look at muscle strength, range, and quality of movement as well as any structural abnormalities. Then, a template of your feet is taken out of plaster of Paris, and a prescription is prepared according to the type of shoes you are wearing and your specific requirements.

At the end, Santa was delighted with the treatment he received. He felt like he was walking on air!

Ho Ho Ho!

If you think you can relate to any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact us.

At Medipod Clinics we take great care of your feet. Our experienced staff will treat your feet with the respect and attention they deserve. Give us a call today on 01455 246100 to chat through your needs.

We also offer a very wide range of treatments such as verruca treatments, ingrown toenail management, fungal infection treatment, heel pain management, diabetic footcare and sports injuries management. I can assure you that we will do our best to exceed your expectations. Our staff will treat your feet with the respect and attention they deserve. For more information and to get in touch, please contact us on 01455 246100. You are also, welcome to visit us at 45 Rugby Rd, Hinckley, LE10 0QA. We will be delighted to see you!

Thank you for reading – Santa Claus is coming to…Medipod!

Faye Vogiatzoglou
Clinical Director

http://medipodclinics.com/

The post Santa Claus is coming to…Medipod! appeared first on Medipod Clinics.

Orthoses or orthotic devices (insoles) are shoe inserts that slide into your shoes to help with foot and ankle function, reduce the risk of injury and improve your posture. Conditions that orthoses can help include flat feet and high arches, bunions and hammer toes, heel spurs and plantar fasciitis, and last but not least, back pain and arthritis.

A lot of people are using orthoses in their shoes. As a podiatrist, I see different conditions, that can improve with regular use of orthoses. But which is better? Shop bought orthoses or bespoke ones?

This time we are exploring the pros and cons of different types of orthoses. I hope that this will guide your decision regarding whether off the shelf orthoses, will address your foot pain appropriately.

Over-the-counter insoles

1. 1. Low cost
   2. Soft and flexible
   3. Available straight away
   4. Multiple options available especially if you have flat feet

But they also are:

1. 1. Not designed for your foot type or foot pathology
   2. There are hardly any options if you have high arches
   3. Low durability – only last up to 6 months max
   4. Some of them are thick and bulky, and therefore difficult to fit into footwear
   5. Some of them can do more harm than good

Custom-made orthoses (Bespoke Orthoses)

1. 1. Biomechanically designed and engineered for your foot type
   2. Durability – they can last up to 10 years
   3. Adjustments can be made
   4. Fit better into shoes
   5. They contour to your arch profile so suitable for both flat feet and high arches
   6. Comfortable and supportive

However, they also are:

1. 1. Expensive – minimum £200 plus assessment and casting fees
   2. Delay in issuing them to you
   3. Not all shoes will accommodate orthoses

So, what should you get?

There are advantages and disadvantages to both options. The answer depends on whether you are looking for more comfort whilst walking or standing, or have a more serious condition that needs to be addressed. In any case, it is recommended that you have an assessment by an experienced podiatrist before you decide. During a biomechanical assessment, we take specific measurements from your feet, ankles, knees, hips, and lower back, look at the overall structure of your whole body, examine posture, assess muscle weakness and strength in your lower limbs. There is a lot of observation and measurement involved!

If you experience pain in your feet, or legs, the podiatrist can assess the way you walk and recommend a management plan. Pain is the body’s way of informing you that something is not right. You should not ignore pain, even if it is occasional. If pain is left untreated, it can lead to other compensation patterns elsewhere in the body, such as ankles, knees, hips and back.

Leonardo da Vinci said that “The human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a piece of art”. This comes as no surprise, if you consider that the foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Foot function is very complex, and every foot is totally different.

At Medipod Clinics, our podiatrists understand how your foot works. Claire is our MSK (Musculo-skeletal) specialist and foot supports guru!

We also offer a very wide range of treatments such as verruca treatments, ingrown toenail management, fungal infection treatment, heel pain management, diabetic footcare and sports injuries management. I can assure you that we will do our best to exceed your expectations. Our staff will treat your feet with the respect and attention they deserve. For more information and to get in touch, please contact us on 01455 246100. You are also, welcome to visit us at 45 Rugby Rd, Hinckley, LE10 0QA. We will be delighted to see you!

If you are experiencing any discomfort in your feet, we are more than happy to help. Give us a call today on 01455 246100 to chat through your needs. We would love to help you with any foot health issues you may have.

Thank you for reading – Bespoke Orthoses vs Shop-Bought Insoles: What is Best?

Faye Vogiatzoglou
Clinical Director

http://medipodclinics.com/

The post Bespoke Orthoses vs Shop-Bought Insoles: What is Best? appeared first on Medipod Clinics.

In this month’s blog we will explore bunions and toe deformities and discuss ways we can minimise discomfort from them while walking.

Understanding Bunions

A bunion is a bump that form on the outside of the big toe joint. The medical term for bunions is hallux abducto-valgus (HAV). Bunions are caused by the big toe pushing over on to the second, causing crossover of the toes, which makes it difficult to walk due to pressure on the toes from footwear. Once the big toe leans toward the second toe, the tendons no longer pull the toe in a straight line, so the problem tends to get progressively worse. The main contributing factors to this deformity are genetics, inappropriate footwear, and abnormal foot mechanics.

Women sometimes experience throbbing that continues even after removing their shoes. The site of the bunion can also be inflamed or red and can feel numb or have a burning sensation.

Understanding toe deformities

There are several types of lesser toe deformity and depending on the shape, they are called hammer toes, clawed toes or retracted toes. Toe deformities can occur when there is an imbalance with the intrinsic muscles within the foot and the leg. External pressures from shoes and direct injury can cause buckling of the toes that can result in toe deformities. Certain inflammatory and neurological conditions can cause toe deformities as well.

Hammertoes tend to be associated with bunions. A hammertoe is a bending of one or both joints of a toe. In most cases corns and calluses can built up on the toe, between the toes or on the ball of the foot due to constant friction from footwear. Inflammation, redness, or a burning sensation are also possible and in severe cases, skin can break down.

Are they serious?

Some people have large bunions that are painless but cause difficulties with footwear, while others have small bunions that can be very painful. Although some treatments can ease the pain from the bunions and toe deformities, only surgery can correct the alignment of the foot.

People who have reduced sensation on their feet or reduced circulation are more at risk of developing serious foot issues as they can present with ulcers on their toes. If left untreated, these issues can progress rapidly to limb threatening problems.

What treatments are available?

If you experience pain and discomfort from bunions and toe deformities, there are a few things to consider that can help alleviate your discomfort. Initially, I would recommend seeing a podiatrist who will assess your feet, identify and contributing factors to your discomfort and discuss a management plan. Your podiatrist may recommend the following:

• No treatment (you can elect to live with your foot deformities)
• Regular review by a podiatrist who will reduce the callus build-up periodically
• Exercises to strengthen the small muscles in between your toes
• Orthoses (special devices inserted into shoes to control abnormal foot function)
• Shoe alterations or night splints which hold toes straight during sleep (may help to slow the progression of bunions in children)

These are all conservative measures and although they may help relieve symptoms there is no evidence that they can correct the underlying deformity. Your podiatrist will be able to assess your feet and refer you for surgery, which can involve a combination of removing, realigning, and pinning of the bone. Once referred, your podiatric surgeon will evaluate the extent of the deformity and discuss with you a surgical management plan.

The aim of surgery is to address the underlying deformity to prevent recurrence. As with all surgery, there are risks and complications, so it is not usually advised unless your bunions and toe deformities are causing pain and conservative measures have not really helped.

How do I prevent foot deformities?

There are a few things to consider when it comes to prevention of bunions and toe deformities. Poorly fitting footwear tends to aggravate the problem as it can squeeze the forefoot, crowding the toes together and exacerbating the underlying condition, causing pain and deformity of the joint. With advancing age, bunions and toe deformities may progress.

Wearing sensible shoes that fit well is a good preventative measure. Try to pick shoes that are wide enough and deep enough for your toes and avoid high heels. Wearing a shoe with a strap or lace over the instep holds the foot secure and stable reducing the need for you to try to stabilise your foot with your toes.

Medipod Can Help – Why Do Women’s Feet Hurt More in Autumn?

At Medipod Clinics we have a wealth of experience when it comes to managing foot problems. As well as keeping up to date with the latest research and new treatments, we always try to give you the information and tools you need to keep your feet healthy.

Some of our podiatrists specialise in the mechanical function of your feet so we can offer expert advice about bunions, toe deformities, heel pain, tendinitis, and many more mechanical foot issues. We also offer treatments for nails, hard skin, ingrown toenails, verrucas, fungal infections, thickened nails, and advice for people with Diabetes. With our expertise and experience, you will have full peace of mind when it comes to your foot health.

If you are experiencing any discomfort in your feet, we are more than happy to help. Give us a call today on 01455 246100 to chat through your needs. We would love to help you with any foot health issues you may have.

Thank you for reading – Why Do Women’s Feet Hurt More in Autumn?.

Faye Vogiatzoglou
Clinical Director

http://medipodclinics.com/

The post Why Do Women’s Feet Hurt More in Autumn? appeared first on Medipod Clinics.

Our soles are often hidden away and forgotten about but as the foundation of our bodies we need to pay more attention to them.

This blog will discuss flat feet: what they are, how they are caused and how you can identify whether you have them.

Flat feet are one of the most common complaints of people seeking foot treatment. Around 30% of people suffer from this complaint.

But what actually is it?

Flat feet, also called fallen arches, are very small or non-existent arches on the feet. Arches provide spring to the step and distribute bodyweight across feet and legs. Flat feet can cause overpronation, which is when the feet start to roll inwards. This can strain muscles and may lead to foot and ankle pain, which may also spread up to the hip. Patients may also experience stiffness, shin pain, muscle ache and an uneven body weight distribution which could cause shoes to wear down quickly.

There are several causes including:

• Genetics
• Naturally weak arches
• Foot and ankle injuries
• Arthritis
• Nervous system or muscle disease

How do you know if you have flat feet?

The easiest way of getting an idea of whether or not you have flat feet is to examine the sole of your foot when you’re standing up. If your whole foot in on the ground you likely have flat feet, but if part of your foot is raised you most likely do not.

Do not worry!

Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man, has flat feet and that didn’t stop him from winning 3 straight Olympic Games! It can be treated in several ways and is not something that should worry you. Ensuring that you wear a well fitting, supportive shoe can help. Many people with this issue find it beneficial to strengthen the muscles in the lower legs.

What we can offer?

Our Medipod Clinics team is able to offer you advice on footwear and exercises that may reduce pain. Flat feet can be effectively treated with orthotics that provide biomechanical support and help feet function more effectively.

If you are experiencing any discomfort in your feet, we are more than happy to help. Give us a call today on 01455 246100 to chat through your needs.

We also offer treatments for tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and toes turning in. With our expertise and experience, you will have full peace of mind when it comes to your foot health.

For more information about our range of treatments, please contact us on 01455 246100. We would love to help you with any foot health issues you may have.

Thank you for reading,

Faye Vogiatzoglou
medipodclinics.com

The post Flat Feet / Fallen Arches appeared first on Medipod Clinics.

Heel pain can be quite complex and it is not always due to plantar fasciitis. There are other structures around your heel that can become inflamed and cause discomfort. Your podiatrist will be able to assess your feet and give you advice on the best options for you.

Happy feet need to be pain free as well as comfortable, so you can do the things that matter to you the most. Here are our top 5 tips to avoid heel pain:

Medipod Clinics – Top 5 Tips to avoid Heel Pain

The main cause of heel pain is a combination of abnormal foot function and footwear choice. Therefore, we would advise you to consider the following.

1. 1. We suggest avoiding flip-flops, ballet-type shoes, and high heels. These types of shoes do not offer any support and can lead to a number of foot pathologies including heel pain, bunions, toe deformities and shin splints.
   2. Avoid walking barefoot for a long time. Although walking without shoes has benefits, it can change the structure of your feet as ligaments and muscles become overstretched.
   3. If you are carrying weight, make sure it is well balanced. Carry your bag on both shoulders and avoid placing children on your hip as this causes postural changes. Abnormal posture leads to heel pain.
   4. Consider some over the counter foot supports. They can improve your posture and function of your feet. It is better to discuss your needs with a podiatrist who will advise you on the most appropriate support for your feet.
   5. Wear shoes that give you enough cushioning and shock absorption. Trainers and walking boots are the preferred type of footwear.

Podiatrists at Medipod Clinics are trained to treat heel pain. We understand how your foot works and we tailor a treatment plan to your needs. In most cases a combination of stretching exercises, foot supports, footwear advice, physical therapy and strapping can alleviate your discomfort. We would advise you to avoid a steroid injection unless other measures have not helped.

If you are already experiencing heel pain, we are more than happy to help. Give us a call today on 01455 246100 to chat through your needs.
We also offer other podiatry services, beauty and physiotherapy services. With our expertise and experience, you will have full peace of mind when it comes to your foot health.

For more information about our podiatry services, please contact us on 01455 246100. We would love to help you with any foot related questions.

Thanks for reading,

Faye Vogiatzoglou
http://medipodclinics.com

The post Top 5 Tips to avoid Heel Pain appeared first on Medipod Clinics.